Department of Sustainable Bioproducts
Major Advisor: Dr. Mike Barnes
Office: Room 5102, Building 5 Sustainable Bioproducts Laboratory at 201 Locksley Way
The bioproducts industry is one of the largest economic contributors to Mississippi, as well as in the United States. Employment in timber conversion, engineered composites, pulp and paper, logging, and furniture manufacturing is widely available. Mississippi’s bioproducts industry recognizes the need for well-trained employees to help increase the conversion efficiencies and alter manufacturing processes to allow compatibility with a changing raw material base. The industry and its allied disciplines are large in terms of employment in Mississippi and nationwide.
The mission of the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts is to enhance the intellectual, cultural, social, and professional development of its students by providing them with knowledge and skills needed to utilize and conserve diverse forest and other resources effectively. In this regard, the Department’s primary teaching responsibility is to provide high quality educational opportunities necessary to adequately prepare students for professional and scientific careers in sustainable bioproducts manufacturing, technology, business, and related fields.
The Department of Sustainable Bioproducts’ physical plant consists of five laboratory/office buildings and other special purpose buildings and the Franklin Center for Furniture Manufacturing and Management, with a combined floor space in excess of 90,000 square feet. These buildings house the analytical and testing equipment, laboratories, pilot plants, and support facilities required for a comprehensive research program involving wood and biobased products.
Presently, students interested in a sustainable bioproducts curriculum have the option of the Sustainable Bioproducts undergraduate or graduate program.
Sustainable Bioproducts Major
Students majoring in sustainable bioproducts will develop a strong foundation in properties, manufacturing, environmental implications, sales, and trading of products derived from wood and non-wood materials that come from agricultural residues and other natural fibers. Besides structural materials, specialty chemicals such as polymers and adhesives from natural resources, and bio-based energy such as wood pellets, bio-oil and alcohols are increasingly important with respect to sustainable industrial production. In addition to utilizing timber and agricultural residues, the discipline seeks to make materials last longer and enhance sustainability via preservative treatments and improved design.
Sustainable Bioproducts Minor
A Sustainable Bioproducts minor is available to non-majors to provide students with the knowledge of wood products, and bio-based composites, polymers, chemicals and fuels. The courses focus on material properties, environmental issues, and manufacturing principles, as well as their marketing and sales. The topics complement many fields that deal with natural materials: construction, design, business and production management, and scientific fields such as chemistry, engineering and environmental and biotechnology. A minor in Sustainable Bioproducts will also provide non-major students an excellent background for entering a graduate degree program in Sustainable Bioproducts. Academic advising is available in the Department of Sustainable Bioproducts located at 201 Locksley Way. A total of 18 hours is required to obtain a Sustainable Bioproducts minor.
| English (General Education) | ||
| EN 1103 | English Composition I | 3 |
| or EN 1163 | Accelerated Composition I | |
| EN 1113 | English Composition II | 3 |
| or EN 1173 | Accelerated Composition II | |
| Fine Arts (General Education) | ||
| Any General Education course | 3 | |
| Natural Sciences | ||
| BIO 1134 | Biology I | 4 |
| BIO 1144 | Biology II | 4 |
| Additional Science | ||
| CH 1043 | Survey of Chemistry I | 3 |
| CH 1053 | Survey of Chemistry II | 3 |
| CH 1051 | Experimental Chemistry | 1 |
| Math (General Education) | ||
| MA 1313 | College Algebra | 3 |
| MA 1323 | Trigonometry | 3 |
| ST 2113 | Introduction to Statistics | 3 |
| or ST 3123 | Introduction to Statistical Inference | |
| Humanities (General Education) | ||
| Any Gen Ed courses | 6 | |
| Social/Behavioral Sciences (General Education) | ||
| Any course from Gen Ed list | 3 | |
| Choose one of the following Economics courses: | 3 | |
| Introduction to Food and Resource Economics | ||
or EC 2113 | Principles of Macroeconomics | |
or FO 4113 | Forest Resource Economics | |
| Oral Communicaton Requirement | ||
| CO 1003 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
| Writing Requirement | ||
| AELC 3203 | Professional Writing in Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Human Sciences | 3 |
| or MGT 3213 | Organizational Communications | |
| or BIO 3013 | Professional Writing for Biologists | |
| Major Core Courses (Required) | ||
| SBP 1103 | Introduction to Sustainable Bioproducts | 3 |
| SBP 2012 | Introduction to Bioproduct Industries | 2 |
| SBP 2123 | Materials and Processing of Structural Bioproducts | 3 |
| SBP 3113 | Biomaterial Phys Mech | 3 |
| SBP 3123 | Biomass to Bioproducts | 3 |
| SBP 4253 | Quantitative Methods in Sustainable Bioproducts | 3 |
| SBP 4313 | Bioproducts and the Environment | 3 |
| SBP 4333 | Bioproducts and Environmental Biotechnology | 3 |
| SBP 4443 | Capstone Sustainable Bioproducts | 3 |
| Major Courses Professional Electives | ||
| SBP 3143 | Biomass Characteristics and Production | 3 |
| SBP 4000 | Directed Individual Study | 6 |
| SBP 4023 | Lignocellulosic Biomass Chemistry | 3 |
| SBP 4113 | Adhesives and Biocomposites | 3 |
| SBP 4133 | Biorefinery Processes | 3 |
| SBP 4144 | Biocomposite Application and Manufacturing | 4 |
| SBP 4153 | Biological Conversion of Biomass | 3 |
| SBP 4213 | Deterioration and Preservation of Biomaterials | 3 |
| SBP 4243 | Sustainable Bioproducts | 3 |
| SBP 4450 | Undergraduate Research in Sustainable Bioproducts | 1-6 |
| Professional Electives | ||
| Choose any class that is 3000 level or above from the following subjects: ABE, AEC, ARC 2713, BCH, BCS, BIO, BIS, BL, CE, CH, EC, EE, EG, EM, EPP, FIN, FO, GR, IE, TKI, LA, MGT, MKT, MA, ME, NREC, PH, PS, PSS, SBP, ST, WFA | 18 | |
| Free Electives | 8 | |
| Total Hours | 124 | |
Courses
SBP 1001 First Year Seminar: 1 hour.
One hour lecture. First-year seminars explore a diverse array of topics and provides students with an opportunity to learn about a specific discipline from skilled faculty members
SBP 1103 Introduction to Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
Three hours lecture. A survey of biomass structure, anatomy, properties and chemistry, and the processes used to manufacture sustainable biomass-based products
SBP 2012 Introduction to Bioproduct Industries: 2 hours.
One hour lecture and one hour Laboratory/Field Trip. This course will be taught as a site tour of bioproduct industries focusing on conversion and use of biomass resources in the Southeastern United States. (During the two weeks of intersession term, class will meet six hours per day.)
SBP 2123 Materials and Processing of Structural Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 2012 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Introduction to the processing of sustainable biomaterials including generation of by-products; operations management involved in bioproducts manufacturing specifically structural composites; product evaluation methods with internationally acknowledged standards
SBP 2990 Special Topic in Sustainable Bioproducts: 1-9 hours.
(1-9). Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
SBP 3113 Biomaterial Phys Mech: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: MA 1323 or equivalent). Two hours lecture and two hours laboratory. This course focuses on understanding important physical and mechanical properties of biomaterials and the relationship of these properties to manufacturing processes and product uses
SBP 3123 Biomass to Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: CH 1043 or equivalent). Three hours lecture. Introduction to chemical/physical properties of forestry and agro crops with overview of products derived from plant materials. Innovative and emerging bioproducts industries are described
SBP 3143 Biomass Characteristics and Production: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite CH 1043, BIO 1134, and MA 1313). Three hours lecture. Methods of field production and characteristics of biomass utilized for fuels and biochemicals
SBP 4000 Directed Individual Study: 6 hours.
(1-6). Hours and credits to be arranged
SBP 4013 Wood Anatomy: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 1103 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Anatomy of commercial timber species; elements of botanical microtechnique, fundamentals of microscopy, and fundamental properties: gross and minute structural characteristics of wood leading to identification
SBP 4023 Lignocellulosic Biomass Chemistry: 3 hours.
Three hour lecture. (Prerequisites: CH 1043 and CH 1053 or equivalent.) Chemical composition of lignocellulosic biomass (wood, agricultural residues, and bioenergy crops) including cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and extractives, their structures, isolation, processes and applications
SBP 4113 Adhesives and Biocomposites: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. (Prerequisites: SBP 2123, SBP 3113, SBP 3123, and CH 1053.) Theories and practices of adhesives and finishing materials used in the manufacture of biocomposite products and furniture
SBP 4123 Lumber Manufacturing: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Raw materials, production methods and product specifications for sawn wood products. Machinery and plant layout. Operation, control, and analysis of lumber manufacturing systems; markets. The laboratory is used for problems, discussion, demonstration, tests, field trips, and writing assignments
SBP 4133 Biorefinery Processes: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 4023 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. An overview of the different chemical and thermochemical biorefinery processes used to convert biomass into chemicals and fuels
SBP 4144 Biocomposite Application and Manufacturing: 4 hours.
Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. (Prerequisite: SBP 2123, SBP 3113, SBP 3123, and SBP 4113/6113 or Consent of Instructor). This course evaluates the application of raw bio-materials (wood, non-wood biomaterial and resins) that are used to manufacture reconstituted and laminated bio-composite products and to classify these products by type, properties, and applications
SBP 4153 Biological Conversion of Biomass: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Introduction to concepts of conversion of biomass by organisms or isolated enzymes to chemicals focusing on breakdown of cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses and enzyme kinetics
SBP 4213 Deterioration and Preservation of Biomaterials: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. (Prerequisite: SBP 1103 or Consent of Instructor). Thermal, biological, and mechanical agents of bioproducts deterioration; biological control; design considerations; preservatives, preservation systems; treatability; preservative effectiveness; standards, pollution control
SBP 4243 Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 3123 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Expanding students’ knowledge of bioproducts, manufacturing principles and processes according to various industrial fields and insights into new approaches and methods in bioproducts industries
SBP 4253 Quantitative Methods in Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
Three hours lectures. (Prerequisite: MA 1313 and MA 1323 or equivalent and SBP 2123). The study and practical application of quantitative techniques commonly used in industry to evaluate the net worth of raw materials, and the cause and effect on process variables
SBP 4263 Furniture Design and Fabrication: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 3113 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Basic theories and principles of furniture strength design and manufacturing; mechanical properties of environmentally preferable materials; green and sustainable design of certifications; testing standards. Machines used, function and operation. Advanced manufacturing and quality control methods
SBP 4313 Bioproducts and the Environment: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 2012, 2123, and 3123 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. An introduction to environmental topics and laws, environmental impact, and control technologies associated with emissions from diverse sustainable bioproducts industries, including global and national issues
SBP 4333 Bioproducts and Environmental Biotechnology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 4313/6313 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Introduction to biotechnological applications which remediate, minimize or eliminate environmental emissions from bioproduct industries, including wood preservatives, high organic process water, adhesives, resins and solvents
SBP 4353 Forest Products Marketing: 3 hours.
Three hour lecture. Marketing and business practices used by forest products companies trading in lumber, engineered wood products and furniture
SBP 4443 Capstone Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: consent of instructor). Integration of knowledge from courses and current issues involving team projects that explore manufacturing problems or product design, emphasizing LCA, social /global perspectives, and problem solving
SBP 4450 Undergraduate Research in Sustainable Bioproducts: 1-6 hours.
(Prerequisite: Senior Standing and consent of instructor). 1-6 Variable hour laboratory. This course is introduced to introduce senior level students to the concepts of independent and original research. (Course limited to two offerings)
SBP 4990 Special Topic in Sustainable Bioproducts: 1-9 hours.
(1-9). Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
SBP 6013 Wood Anatomy: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 1103 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Anatomy of commercial timber species; elements of botanical microtechnique, fundamentals of microscopy, and fundamental properties: gross and minute structural characteristics of wood leading to identification
SBP 6023 Lignocellulosic Biomass Chemistry: 3 hours.
Three hour lecture. (Prerequisites: CH 1043 and CH 1053 or equivalent.) Chemical composition of lignocellulosic biomass (wood, agricultural residues, and bioenergy crops) including cellulose, hemicelluloses, lignin, and extractives, their structures, isolation, processes and applications
SBP 6113 Adhesives and Biocomposites: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. (Prerequisites: SBP 2123, SBP 3113, SBP 3123, and CH 1053.) Theories and practices of adhesives and finishing materials used in the manufacture of biocomposite products and furniture
SBP 6123 Lumber Manufacturing: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Raw materials, production methods and product specifications for sawn wood products. Machinery and plant layout. Operation, control, and analysis of lumber manufacturing systems; markets. The laboratory is used for problems, discussion, demonstration, tests, field trips, and writing assignments
SBP 6133 Biorefinery Processes: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 4023 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. An overview of the different chemical and thermochemical biorefinery processes used to convert biomass into chemicals and fuels
SBP 6144 Biocomposite Application and Manufacturing: 4 hours.
Three hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. (Prerequisite: SBP 2123, SBP 3113, SBP 3123, and SBP 4113/6113 or Consent of Instructor). This course evaluates the application of raw bio-materials (wood, non-wood biomaterial and resins) that are used to manufacture reconstituted and laminated bio-composite products and to classify these products by type, properties, and applications
SBP 6153 Biological Conversion of Biomass: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: BIO 1134 and BIO 1144 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Introduction to concepts of conversion of biomass by organisms or isolated enzymes to chemicals focusing on breakdown of cellulose, lignin and hemicelluloses and enzyme kinetics
SBP 6213 Deterioration and Preservation of Biomaterials: 3 hours.
Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. (Prerequisite: SBP 1103 or Consent of Instructor). Thermal, biological, and mechanical agents of bioproducts deterioration; biological control; design considerations; preservatives, preservation systems; treatability; preservative effectiveness; standards, pollution control
SBP 6243 Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 3123 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Expanding students’ knowledge of bioproducts, manufacturing principles and processes according to various industrial fields and insights into new approaches and methods in bioproducts industries
SBP 6253 Quantitative Methods in Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
Three hours lectures. (Prerequisite: MA 1313 and MA 1323 or equivalent and SBP 2123). The study and practical application of quantitative techniques commonly used in industry to evaluate the net worth of raw materials, and the cause and effect on process variables
SBP 6263 Furniture Design and Fabrication: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 3113 or consent of instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Basic theories and principles of furniture strength design and manufacturing; mechanical properties of environmentally preferable materials; green and sustainable design of certifications; testing standards. Machines used, function and operation. Advanced manufacturing and quality control methods
SBP 6313 Bioproducts and the Environment: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 2012, 2123, and 3123 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. An introduction to environmental topics and laws, environmental impact, and control technologies associated with emissions from diverse sustainable bioproducts industries, including global and national issues
SBP 6333 Bioproducts and Environmental Biotechnology: 3 hours.
(Prerequisites: SBP 4313/6313 or consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Introduction to biotechnological applications which remediate, minimize or eliminate environmental emissions from bioproduct industries, including wood preservatives, high organic process water, adhesives, resins and solvents
SBP 6353 Forest Products Marketing: 3 hours.
Three hour lecture. Marketing and business practices used by forest products companies trading in lumber, engineered wood products and furniture
SBP 6990 Special Topics in Sustainable Bioproducts: 1-9 hours.
(1-9). Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
SBP 7000 Directed Individual Study in Sustainable Bioproducts: 1-6 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
SBP 8000 Thesis Research/ Thesis in Sustainable Bioproducts: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged
SBP 8111 Research Seminar I: 1 hour.
One hour seminar. Review of current research work in wood science and technology; the scientific method; philosophy of research
SBP 8121 Research Seminar II: 1 hour.
One hour seminar. Review of current research work in wood science and technology; the scientific method; philosophy of research. This course focuses on oral communication skills
SBP 8123 Advanced Lignocellulosic Biomass Chemistry: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: SBP 4023/6023 or consent of the instructor). Three hours lecture. Chemistry of major lignocellulosic biomass components. Chemical modification and swelling of cellulose, chemical and enzymatic degradation of polysaccharides and lignin, wood preservation, wood plasticization and wood conversion to value added chemicals
SBP 8133 Environmental Issues in Sustainable Bioproducts: 3 hours.
(Consent of instructor). Three hours lecture. Environmental impact, regulations, management of wood treatment by-products and chemical wastes; biodegradation microorganisms; bioremediation; biomass residues; soil, sediment, water, air contaminations; current clean-up technologies
SBP 8213 Advanced Wood Mechanics: 3 hours.
(Prerequisite: Consent of Instructor). Two hours lecture. Three hours laboratory. Study of elastic and viscoelastic behavior of wood composites; fracture in wood; stress analysis; current topics in wood mechanics. Mechanics. SBP 8213 Advanced Wood Mechanics
SBP 8990 Special Topic In Sustainable Bioproducts: 1-9 hours.
Credit and title to be arranged. This course is to be used on a limited basis to offer developing subject matter areas not covered in existing courses. (Courses limited to two offerings under one title within two academic years)
SBP 9000 Dissertation Research /Dissertation in Sustainable Bioproducts: 1-13 hours.
Hours and credits to be arranged